Cleveland Browns Star Refuses To Entertain Shedeur Sanders Narrative

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 8:40 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns have been dealing with a quarterback controversy from the moment they drafted both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in April.

Gabriel, a third-round pick from Oregon, has started the past four games for the Browns. He's completing 59.9% of his passes for 702 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Unfortunately for the left-handed rookie, he struggled mightily against the New England Patriots this past Sunday.

During this Monday's media availability, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was asked if he'll consider starting Sanders when they return from their bye week. He made it clear that he's not ready to bench Gabriel.

"Let me say that with a young quarterback, you understand that there's gonna be ups and downs," Stefanski said.

For what it's worth, a key player in Cleveland's locker room is also backing Gabriel at this time.

It's not Shedeur's time yet.

Seven-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Joel Bitonio said Gabriel deserves a chance to reset during the bye week. He also believes the rest of the offense has to step up in order for the Browns to see what they fully have in their rookie quarterback.

“He’s going to keep improving. He’s had four games and some tough matchups. It’s not a one-person issue. We want to give our quarterback a chance. This bye week will give him a chance to reset and it will be good for his growth,” Bitonio told reporters. “For a young guy in this league, four games is so minuscule on a big platform. We have to give him a chance to adjust and see what he likes. We have to go back, rewatch the games and see what plays we were successful with. What does he like? Where does he like to move in the pocket? Where does he like to set up? All of those things are questions we have to answer. And as an offense, we want to perform better to give him a chance to truly be evaluated.”

Bitonio has been a well-respected voice in Cleveland's locker room for many years. If he's willing to side with Gabriel, there are probably a few players ready to follow his lead.

On the flip side, if Gabriel continues to struggle, it'll only be a matter of time before Stefanski's players voice their displeasure with the quarterback situation.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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